Welp, the Las Vegas Raiders lost again—and for once, it might actually be a good thing. Time to overreact.
“Mendoza Mania” has arrived…
With the loss to the New York Giants, the Raiders now sit firmly in control of the race for the No. 1 overall pick. The performance was ugly and uncompetitive, but none of that will matter if Las Vegas lands its quarterback in April. That quarterback should be Fernando Mendoza of Indiana. For two straight years, the Raiders have played their way out of range for top passers by winning meaningless games down the stretch. They have avoided that mistake so far, and Sunday’s loss was especially pivotal. If they can avoid an upset of the Chiefs next week, Las Vegas will be officially on the clock.
Speaking of the quarterback position…
Geno Smith needs to retire…
This is no longer about Geno Smith’s poor performance with the Raiders. It is about the reality that his career appears to be nearing its end. His field of vision has faded, he no longer avoids pressure the way he once did, and his body is clearly wearing down. Playing behind a subpar Las Vegas offensive line has accelerated the decline, but the issues extend beyond protection. Smith’s play style has always subjected him to extra hits, and at this stage, he cannot withstand them.
The only environment in which he could still function is one with a playoff-caliber roster and a high-level coaching staff. The Raiders do not meet that standard, and his contract makes a move elsewhere nearly impossible. At best, he could return as an expensive backup, a scenario that benefits neither him nor the organization. At 35, the logical conclusion is that it is time for Smith to step away.
While most of this week’s takeaways skew negative, it was not all doom and gloom….
Michael Mayer is a top-20 tight end in the NFL…
Go ahead and try naming 20 tight ends better than Michael Mayer. Statistically, plenty might look more productive, but the eye test tells a different story. His usage is capped by playing behind Brock Bowers, yet Mayer continues to show he can be a complete tight end.
He remains a strong blocker and a reliable option in the passing game, the exact traits that made him a second-round pick. If he were not sharing a depth chart with Bowers, the league’s perception of him would likely be far different.
That does not mean the Raiders should consider moving him. As more teams shift toward heavier personnel and multi-tight-end looks, Mayer’s value to Las Vegas will likely exceed anything offered in return.
*Top Photo: Getty Images